[Diabetes-talk] to the pump users

Wed Aug 31 02:35:23 UTC 2016

And do we know when the first home meters were available on the market? 40s? 50s?

Still talking decades before accessibility was considered for blind diabetics.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Eileen Scrivani via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2016 9:29 PM
To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Eileen Scrivani <etscrivani at verizon.net>
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] to the pump users

In 1983 I did the promo for Berringer Manheim for what I believe was the first accessible talking meter and if my memory is working properly I’m pretty sure it was called the Freedom.  It was huge and was assembled in a hard-shell case that was pretty hefty.  Promoted as “portable”. Looking back now that was laughable. .  From there I went to using the acucheck system that I loved and had for years.  The Acu check was a dream in comparison to the Freedom. 

Eileen

From: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk 
Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2016 8:07 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' 
Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter 
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] to the pump users

Just curious. For those who have been blind diabetics for a while, when did accessible meters hit the market?

I realize a meter is more crucial to diabetes management, but they weren't always accessible, I imagine. Even when I first lost my sight, Prodigy had not quite come out with its talking meter. I had to use this huge, clunky one that had its own purse just for the meter. Not trendy at all for someone in their early 20s, LOL!

So, even though pumps are not necessarily crucial to our management, with their growing popularity, and more people being placed on pumps, type one's and twos alike, you would think eventually an accessible version would come out like the meters did.

Not saying it will happen anytime soon, but one would just think...

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Eileen Scrivani via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2016 3:30 PM
To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Eileen Scrivani <etscrivani at verizon.net>
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] to the pump users

I have a Medtronics pump and am extremely happy with it.  If its the right pump to help a diabetic gain better control than that’s the primary point to consider.

The brand & type of pump a person chooses to go with is a personal decision. Speaking only for myself, I  am over-all happy with the Medtronics pump and its helped me improve control and I find it pretty useable.  No matter who the manufacturer, when/if there is an accessible pump out there I would give serious consideration to changing over in a heartbeat—no brand loyalty until one of them actually comes up with something that is accessible.  

For now, its all moot because it doesn’t exist, yet. Until its here, its not.  All we can do is pick the easiest, most workable option given our own abilities.

Eileen

From: Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2016 3:52 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' 
Cc: Veronica Elsea
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] to the pump users

It would have to be way way beyond fantastic before I'd touch it. I just can't support the company that ran a really good one out of business. It's a shame just how ugly the medical business actually is. It doesn't feel like profit is our friend, not to me anyway. 
And a CEO can say anything. All the same, it would be nice if someone meant it. 
Veronica

"Guide Dogs, First Hand", Veronica Elsea's classic album is now available on iTunes, along with other music from her and from the Guide Dog Glee Club. 
To learn more, visit:
http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
                Veronica Elsea, Owner
Laurel Creek Music Designs
Santa Cruz, California
Phone: 831-429-6407

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Monday, August 29, 2016 5:04 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] to the pump users

Well, at least someone is addressing accessibility. Whether something comes of it or not, at least it's being addressed.

Always keep in mind though, it would likely take years to make a pump accessible, if anyone were to jump on it.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
blindhands--- via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Monday, August 29, 2016 6:39 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: blindhands at aol.com
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] to the pump users

I don't know if this is good news or not.  Medtronics recently got a new CEO.  He had a meeting with the employees and apparently said they need to make insulin pumps more accessible for the blind.  Sounds good, but need to wait and check out what they do.

It really gets me that the talk is with Bluetooth records get sent to your IPhone, Messages/warnings can go out to family members, get your blood test on your IPhone or send to whatever so your doctor can review it.  And the aps they have for this does not work with voice over.

Even the diaries and charts, graphs we don't get that information.

Joyce

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Monday, August 29, 2016 5:01 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Veronica Elsea <veronica at laurelcreekmusic.com>
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] to the pump users

Joyce, I am still using my Deltec Cozmo, even though it's long out of warranty and no longer manufactured. In addition to the Animas Ping that Bridgit mentioned, there is the Animas Vibe, the OmniPod and the Tandem T-Slim. I did an article for the Braille Monitor which compared accessibility in all of the current pumps out there. Unfortunately it's a pretty sad report. Today's pumps are much less accessible than what we had
10 years ago or more. I started using the Disetronic pump in 1991 but it no longer exists either. I honestly don't know what I'll do when my Cozmo goes.
There are so many useful features on pumps that we can't get at today. Not the best state of affairs, I'm afraid. 
The best thing for you to do might be to get someone to let you get your hands on several pumps. Given how much is not accessible, you should get one that you like the feel of, the size, etc. The Tandem is a touch screen and I was unsuccessful at creating a workable template for it. Darn! 
Let us know if you need any more info. Good luck.
Veronica

"Guide Dogs, First Hand", Veronica Elsea's classic album is now available on iTunes, along with other music from her and from the Guide Dog Glee Club. 
To learn more, visit:
http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
                Veronica Elsea, Owner
Laurel Creek Music Designs
Santa Cruz, California
Phone: 831-429-6407

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Monday, August 29, 2016 8:50 AM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-talk] to the pump users

Joyce,

I use the Animas Ping. I have been using the Animas for 3 years now.

I used a DelTech Cosmo prior to the Animas. I used a Cosmo for 9 years. The Cosmo is no longer manufactured though.

I wrote an article on the Animas Ping in the Braille Monitor back in June of this year.

If you have further questions, I will do my best to answer.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
blindhands--- via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Monday, August 29, 2016 10:32 AM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: blindhands at aol.com
Subject: [Diabetes-talk] to the pump users

Could you please share with me wwhich insulin pump you are using?

I only know of the Medtronic MiniMed 530G or should I say this is the only one I have gathered information on.  Could you answer a few more questions for me?

Name and version of Pump being used now or maker of pump??

Is this your first pump?

Have you used any other pumps? 

I am talking to my doctor and she has recommended a pump.  I would like to have more info from blind folks who use a pump.
Thank you so much.

Joyce Kane
Blindhands at aol.com 

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